There is an apparent split between administration and some School Committee members regarding a proposed policy change that would allow limited cellphone use among students at Taunton High School.

The proposed policy, which would replace a complete ban on student cellphone use during school hours, would allow students to use their devices in the cafeteria and hallways during non-instructional time. The proposal would also allow students to use smart phones for instructional purposes during class time at the teacher’s discretion.

“Where we are now is kind of archaic with the use of cellphones,” Headmaster Matthew Mattos told the School Committee Wednesday. “It’s commonplace across the state where a lot of schools have leaned toward a bring-your-own-device policy. In the right environment, it can be powerfully used for educational purposes.”

A subcommittee of the School Committee voted Wednesday to approve some relatively minor changes to the high school yearbook, but decided to get more information before voting on the cellphone policy.

Member Carol Doherty supports adding language permitting the use of cellphones for instructional purposes at the teacher’s discretion, but said she thinks allowing students to use their phones in the hallways and cafeteria would go too far.

“I think it creates chaos,” she said.

David Souza was among those voicing a similar sentiment.

Josephine Alemida, though, took a different view when it comes to cellphone use during lunch.

“To me, if you’re going to allow it in the classroom, I don’t have a problem with it at lunchtime,” Almeida said. “I’ll go along with the hallways, but I think when they’re in lunch, that’s their break.”

In introducing the proposed policy change, Mattos described the “societal acceptance and pervasive usage of cellular phones and electronic devices, especially as supplements to instruction.”

The rationale behind the proposal, in Barry Cooperstein’s view, is flawed.

“The logic of saying we’re going to allow it because we can’t control it… It doesn’t make any sense,” Cooperstein said. “I would totally be against adopting this policy.”

Some committee members questioned how cellphones could be used for instructional purposes in the classroom. Smart phones, Mattos said, can facilitate access to information and allow for interactive learning activities.

“There are a lot of apps and sites that teachers can have students tap into,” Mattos said.

Hackett agreed.

“You can’t even begin to imagine the apps that are out there,” she added. “I think there should be room for discussion on how we can use this instructionally.”